Australia Awards – Africa

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The study and research opportunities provided by Australia Awards develop the skills, knowledge and networks of African professionals to drive change, contribute to the development outcomes of their home country and strengthen ongoing links with Australia.

Photo: DFAT

Australia Awards

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) funds and manages the Australia Awards.

Australia has awarded over 6000 scholarships to Africans. The Australia Awards bring many benefits to

eligible African countries, including investment in job creation, wealth generation and development.

Australia Awards Scholarships and Australia Awards Short Courses form an integral part of Australia’s development

assistance in Africa. Australia’s assistance helps to advance economic reform, improve governance, and reduce poverty

and inequality in countries across Africa. Australia Awards showcases the influence that Australia brings to bear on

regional and global challenges, including efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The Australia Awards are building invaluable connections between

people, trust between nations, and an understanding of one another’s cultures, politics, economy and social construct” – Australia Awards

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Australia Awards

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Australia Awards

On the global stage, Australian universities are recognised for their quality teaching, learning and research programs. Several of Australia’s leading universities are ranked in the world’s top 100. The QS World University Rankings 2019/20 ranks five Australian universities among the top 50 in the world. The Times Higher Education Ranking for 2019 lists six Australian universities in its global top 100, with well over half of all Australian universities ranking among the top 400.

Australia’s pursuit of excellence in higher education is reflected in its commitment to outstanding international research and teaching facilities. Universities and tertiary education institutions consistently achieve innovative solutions for real-world problems. Australia is considered a global research leader.

With its world-class reputation, an Australian tertiary education creates opportunities for African professionals through the Australia Awards. For Africans, a postgraduate qualification from an Australian institution garners international recognition and strengthens their ability to contribute to the development of their country and region on completion of the scholarship or short course.

African mid-career professionals, inspired to pursue an Australian education, can be assured that in Australia they will have a high-quality and rewarding study experience.

Australia is one of the world’s most successful multicultural societies. It is a harmonious, egalitarian and enterprising nation that embraces diversity. Australia’s investment in the stability and resilience of developing African countries, in partnership with respective governments, contributes to improving global security and prosperity.

The Australia Awards offer an effective and efficient model to improve the prosperity of

African countries while supporting a range of Australia’s strategic foreign policy, economic diplomacy and development objectives.

The Australia Awards include scholarships for master’s level degrees and postgraduate professional training that support the leadership needs of African professionals in areas relevant to the development priorities of individual African countries.

Australian tertiary education and training

Australia

Scholars at an Australia Awards event in Sydney Photo: DFAT

Participant of the 2018 Mineral and Energy Economics Short Course

Photo: Australia Awards–Africa

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Australian tertiary education and trainingAustralia

Australia Awards Scholarships Australia Awards Short Courses

Australia Awards Scholarships Australia Awards Short CoursesAustralia Awards Short Courses provide opportunities for targeted professional development in a specialised field. The short courses range from five to eight weeks in duration; some are delivered in Africa only, while others are delivered in Africa and Australia.

The short courses are focused on priority sectors that effectively support

Africa’s economic growth and long-term development. Within each sector, candidates can select a specialised course, in line with their country’s eligibility criteria.

Postgraduate training is offered across fields including agricultural productivity, environment, extractives, health, technical and vocational education and training and public policy. Courses vary from year to year.

Participants of the 2018 Mineral and Energy Economics Short Course Photo: Australia Awards–Africa

Australia Awards Scholarships lead to a master’s level qualification from an Australian university.

The scholarships contribute to the long-term objectives of developing countries by equipping professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to drive change and achieve sustainable economic and social development.

The Australian Government provides emerging leaders from eligible countries in fields aligned with the agreed development priorities of their home nation with scholarships in areas in which Australia

has world-class expertise. In addition to contributing to the long-term development needs of their home country, Australia Awards scholars experience life in Australia and build strong links, with each other, and with Australian individuals, institutions and businesses. Through the scholarships, individuals can access international professional networks and global practices in their field of expertise.

Currently, scholars can study degrees in the priority sectors of agricultural productivity, extractives and public policy. Additional partner government priority sectors are also considered.

Scholars at an Australia Awards event in Sydney Photo: DFAT

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More than two-thirds of Africans depend on agriculture for income and food requirements. Research has shown that countries with higher agricultural production have lower poverty rates.

Australia supports Africa’s vision of agriculture-led development and is keen to share its experience and expertise in areas such as dryland, semi-arid and tropical farming systems. Improvements in agriculture and food markets have the potential to improve the lives of millions of people.

Australia Awards provides a range of agricultural productivity postgraduate

qualifications and professional development training in topics such as Agribusiness, Increasing the Development Impact of Agricultural Research, Agriculture and Food Security, Global Food and Agricultural Business, Animal Science, Dryland Farming and Post-Harvest Management.

“Agricultural development is one of the most powerful tools to end extreme poverty. Growth in the agricultural sector is two to five times more effective [than other sectors] in raising incomes among the poorest”– World Bank

Supporting agricultural development

Alumnus Dr Kwamina Banson (middle, with black shirt) with two farmers Photo: Dr Kwamina Banson

Empowering female pineapple farmers in GhanaAlumna Dr Freda Asem, GhanaShort course – Agribusiness

Women smallholder farmers in the Akwapim South District in Ghana are improving the production and processing of organic pineapples and increasing their incomes, thanks to an Australian-funded project led by Australia Awards alumna, Dr Freda Asem.

Following her participation in a short course in Agribusiness, run by the University of Queensland, Dr Asem applied to the Australian High Commission in Accra for funding to use her newly acquired skills in value chain analysis to improve pineapple farming in selected communities. Her findings revealed there was a market for organic pineapples and she set up the project to empower women farmers in Akwapim to take advantage of this opportunity.

Dr Asem’s project is helping 30 women in the Apantam-Attakrom Amanfro Women Pineapple Farmers Group to overcome structural challenges and become economically independent. The project provides them with resources, training and services to produce and process smooth cayenne pineapples, including a simple technology for drying the fruit. Most importantly, the project gives the farmers the use of two acres of land, empowering women who did not have access to land.

Her support has also given the women a better understanding of the critical drivers of success and efficiency in the pineapple value

chain. They are now able to add value to the pineapples and generate more income, which will benefit their families and their community. The women have demonstrated their capability and willingness to continue with this initiative after the project has ended.

Dr Asem is also sharing her skills as part of her work as an academic in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness at the University of Ghana. She has continued her engagement with Australia Awards, working with the University of Queensland to facilitate the African component of the Agribusiness short courses.

Alumna Dr Freda Asem Photo: Australia Awards–Africa

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Alumni Profile - Dr Freda Asem Supporting agricultural development

Supporting mineral resource management

Supporting mineral resource management Alumni Profile – Harinirina Rajaonah

Mining has evolved to contribute to sustainable development while strengthening economic and social growth. Companies, governments and communities working together, achieve a positive impact by considering long-term sustainability and the effect of mining throughout the economy.

Australia has one of the most efficient mining industries in the world, with a stable regulatory and policy environment and a highly skilled workforce. Australia is well placed to share its expertise with African countries as they strive to harness their resources, grow their economies and provide economic and social benefits for their people.

Australia Awards provides a range of extractives postgraduate qualifications and professional development training in fields such as Managing Mine Closures, Mineral and Energy Economics, Planning, Monitoring and Implementing Extractives Investments, Mining Engineering, Managing Mining Revenue, and Mining Law.

“With good governance and transparent management, the revenues from extractive industries can have an impact on reducing poverty and boosting shared prosperity, while respecting community needs and the environment” – World Bank

Mineral and Energy Economics Short Course participants during a field visit in South Africa Photo: DFAT

Increasing mining revenue to fund social infrastructure developmentAlumna Harinirina Rajaonah, MadagascarShort course – Mining Resources: Regulation and Revenue Management

Harinirina Rajaonah, a senior auditor at the Court of Accounts in Madagascar, is using her Australia Awards skills and knowledge to increase revenues for municipalities and much-needed infrastructure and social development.

After completing a short course in Mining Resources – Regulation and Revenue Management, she designed a system that tracks and controls the use of revenue from mining activities. She reviewed different mining contracts to see whether companies completed approved social projects and if regions had received their share of mining royalties. The Financial Court of Toamasina was the first jurisdiction to participate in the new system due to the significant extractives industry in the region. Numerous stakeholders, including area managers, mayors, the public, small-scale operators and existing mining companies in the region, benefited from her work. Ms Rajaonah’s work also involves educating small-scale miners and encouraging them to pay mining royalties. Her team also assists artisanal and small-scale miners with the difficulties they may encounter. Unlicensed artisanal miners often lose access to mining activity as soon as larger operators arrive on the scene.Hence, getting the miners registered helps to maintain their livelihoods and ability to contribute to revenue collection.

“It is essential to educate both the government and the population on the benefits they can derive from the country’s mineral resources,” she affirms. The road is challenging. However, Harinirina is motivated to continue her project, as more districts continue to come on board. “Australia Awards has allowed me to, understand the contents of mining contracts, engage operators, assist small-scale miners and mobilise municipalities to work with the mining industry in the development of their communities.”

Small-scale miners are being educated on the importance of paying mining royalies

Photo: Stock Image

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Effective governance and public policy build an environment where jobs are created and services delivered to poor people. It enables people to defend their rights, voice their concerns and influence their futures.

Australia is working with partner countries in Africa to ensure social stability, and to develop accountable, responsive and transparent civil society and government institutions, which are critical to delivering effective governance and sustainable development outcomes.

Australia Awards provides a range of public policy postgraduate qualifications and professional development training in fields such as Trade Policy and Negotiations, Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Public Policy, Public Administration, Public-Private Infrastructure Partnerships and Ocean Management: Sustainable Fisheries and Governance.

“Good governance enables a country to use its resources effectively to reduce poverty” – DFAT

Supporting Africa’s stability through effective governance

Creating a harmonic and efficient regional energy environmentAlumnus Samuel Mgweno, Tanzania Short course – Public-Private Infrastructure Partnerships

Tanzanian alumnus, Samuel Mgweno, is a professional engineer and project officer at the Regional Electricity Regulators Association of Southern African countries (RERA-SADC) on the Enhancement of Sustainable Regional Energy Markets (ESREM) project for Eastern Africa, Southern Africa and Indian Ocean Member States.

The skills and knowledge that Mr Mgweno gained from the short course in Public-Private Infrastructure Partnerships made him appreciate how the public sector can leverage on private sector finance and technical expertise to develop and operate infrastructure projects. It was evident for Mr Mgweno that, “once governments have laid down conducive environments which mitigate and address apparent and perceived risks” through appropriate policy and legal frameworks, the private sector will respond positively by bringing investments of capital, technology and expertise.

He has drawn from his experience and applied lessons from the short course to the implementation of the ESREM project and the development of a model regulatory framework and regulatory oversight of the three regional economic blocks. Once the integrated frameworks come into effect, power plants in one country, would be able to sell electricity to a buyer in another

country, if it were more economical to do so.

The ESREM project contributes to the progressive achievement of SDG 7 (ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all) and SDG 12 (ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns). Mr Mgweno is contributing to achieving these goals in the region. His scholarship has equipped him with the technical knowledge and leadership qualities required to lead the ESREM initiative and manage the 27-member state partnership.

Scholars at an Australia Awards event in Perth Photo: DFAT

Alumnus Samuel Mgweno Photo: Samuel Mgweno

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Supporting Africa’s stability through effective governance Alumni Profile – Samuel Mgweno

Empowering African women Alumni Profile – Amina Garuba Ahmed

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Women’s leadership and decision making are two driving forces of gender equality that are achievable through education. Australia Awards and its alumni recognise the critical importance of gender equality to development.

Women bring a unique perspective and voice to the development needs of Africa. Active and influential women leaders are critical to promoting nation-building. The program makes every effort to redress gender imbalance through better targeting and providing information that supports female applicants and by ensuring male and female beneficiaries are sensitised on the importance of inclusive development action.

Applications from women are strongly encouraged and mechanisms are in place to assist women applicants. In 2018, women received 46 per cent of scholarships and short courses.

The Australia Awards promotes social inclusion in its programming, acknowledging that both men and women play a vital role in championing equality at the workplace and community level. A total of 76 per cent of respondents of the 2018 Australia Awards–Africa Outcomes Study stated that they were using acquired skills and knowledge to promote Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in their workplaces and communities. The study also found that female alumnae are acting as change agents by taking up traditionally male-dominated roles and by encouraging women to further their education.

Australia Awards seeks to ensure equal participation of women. Women are encouraged to apply and will be supported, where applicable, at all stages – including the application, scholarship and training and alumni stages.

Empowering African women Working to achieve equality and non-discriminationAlumna Amina Garuba Ahmed, NigeriaMaster of Dispute Resolution

Before completing her Master of Dispute Resolution at the University of New South Wales, Ms Ahmed had to overcome gender stereotypes from her community. People judged her for taking the opportunity to travel to Australia, for the scholarship, leaving her family behind.

‘I have had to overcome issues of gender stereotyping and undertake adventures that women are discouraged from undertaking – for example, going to Australia, as a married woman, without my family. I prepared for this period by researching and speaking to my family, especially my husband.’ In the end she made an informed decision, knowing that travelling to study would positively contribute to her development, her family and community. When Ms Ahmed returned from her studies, she faced continued criticism. ‘I was discouraged from undertaking the job of Magistrate and District Court Judge due to my gender and religious beliefs,’ says Ms Ahmed.

The challenges that she faced encouraged her to dedicate her work to helping women and young people who faced similar discriminatory practices, which inhibit them from achieving their dreams. Ms Ahmed founded the NGO Ikra Foundation for Women and Youth Development (IFWYD). She uses IFWYD to involve women and youths in entrepreneurial skills training, career guidance, mentoring, counselling and

leadership training. Also, the NGO enables advocacy for gender equality, equity and the rights of children.

Ms Ahmed’s proudest professional achievement is receiving the Australian Leadership Award. The opportunity improved her ability to fill the leadership roles that were entrusted to her in her community and workplace. She is motivated by a vision of a Nigeria and a world where the rights of women and the less privileged are respected and all individuals are given the support that they need to attain their full potential.

Scholars at an Australia Awards event in Sydney Photo: DFAT

Alumna Amina Garuba Ahmed Photo: Amina Garuba Ahmed

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The World Health Organisation estimates that 15 per cent of the world’s population has a disability. People with disabilities face many barriers that limit their access to education, social spaces and public services. These barriers often expose people to the risk of social exclusion.

Harnessing the opportunities and talents of people with disabilities, through the program, empowers them to contribute to national development, extends their right to fair and equal participation and maximises the effective use of valuable human capital. Some of the most outstanding Australia Awards alumni have shown resilience and tenacity to overcome disability-related barriers.

The Australia Awards are committed to ensuring the equitable participation and inclusion of diverse groups. Also, Australia Awards recipients are encouraged to promote inclusion, as a development issue, in their Reintegration Action Plans. People with disabilities, who are eligible, are encouraged to apply for a scholarship or a short course and to disclose their disability.

Having a disability will not disadvantage individuals in the application or selection process. Applications will be equitably considered, and reasonable adjustments made where possible, to ensure equal participation by anyone identified as requiring support.

Promoting equality of access for people with disabilities

Alumnus Edmore Masendeke Photo: Edmore Masendeke

Endless possibilities for people with disabilities

gained knowledge on inclusive development within economic policies. Previously, in 2016, the Reserve Bank had adopted a financial inclusion strategy. However, at that time, the strategy did not address disability, nor did it support people with disabilities. Following the completion of the short course, Mr Masendeke wrote a paper lobbying for the inclusion of disability in the strategy. He also mobilised stakeholders, within the disability sector, to engage the Reserve Bank on the issue. Subsequently, the Bank adopted disability as one of the strategy’s thematic focuses and established a loan facility for people with disabilities.

“Positive change is inevitable,” he says as he continues to advocate for people with disabilities to be viewed as individuals capable of living a full and healthy life.

Edmore Masendeke, ZimbabweShort course – Macroeconomic Management for Resource-Rich Countries

Zimbabwean alumnus, Edmore Masendeke, is a published author, economist (working for the Zimbabwe Reserve Bank), disability activist as well as a person with cerebral palsy. In 2010, he founded Endless Possibilities, a non-profit organisation that coordinates awareness campaigns for the inclusion of people with disabilities as well as empowerment programs for people with disabilities. Mr Masendeke is passionate about inspiring and challenging people with disabilities to rise above the limitations of their impairments.

The most significant opportunities for the organisation and Mr Masendeke’s advocacy work are the increased attention given to disability issues on the world stage, which includes international days commemorating disability-related themes. This global focus has made it easier for Mr Masendeke to engage key stakeholders as well as address the challenges faced by people with disabilities. Some of the challenges include a lack of comprehensive laws and policies that promote and protect the rights of people with disabilities. These challenges are made worse by the stigma and discrimination faced by people with disabilities in the country.

While completing a short course in Macroeconomic Management for Resource-Rich Countries, Mr Masendeke

Scholar Paul Mugambi Photo: DFAT

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Alumni Profile - Edmore MasendekePromoting equality of access for people with disabilities

Scholar Leslie Nachula Photo: Leslie Nachula

A significant aspect of the Australia Awards is to build a global alumni community to support ongoing links between Africa and Australia. DFAT works in partnership with Australian universities to strengthen alumni connections with Australia through online communities and learning and development opportunities during scholarship or training and after the return home.

The Australia Awards alumni network provides many opportunities. After completing a scholarship or short course, alumni can take advantage of:  

Alumni networks and associations: Alumni are strongly encouraged to join one of the 25 alumni associations and the Women in Leadership Network country chapters across Africa. These associations play a vital role in connecting alumni and promoting the Awards to prospective high-calibre applicants.

Online platforms: Alumni can share good practice and success on Africa Connect. The Australia Global Alumni Portal provides further opportunity to connect with a worldwide community of scholars who have studied in Australia.

Continued professional development: Opportunities are offered annually through workshops, conferences and other events. For example, alumni participate in training and discussions about the coloured gemstone industry, climate change, trade policies, extractives investment, mental health or agricultural research.

Small Grants: The Alumni

Small Grants Scheme provides direct financial support to African alumni and alumni associations. The Small Grants Scheme funds development projects and continued professional development activities. Alumni and registered alumni associations are invited to apply.

Alumni Ambassadors: The Australia Awards Alumni Ambassador Initiative taps into the enormous potential of the alumni network by forming a group of volunteer champions from across the African network who are committed to promoting and representing the Australia Awards, raising the profile of Australia in Africa and forming links with Australian High Commissions and Embassies.

of alumni attribute their development contribution on return to their acquired skills 2018 Outcomes Study95%

Growing an influential network of African leaders

Growing an influential network of African leadersWith over 6000 alumni of Australian Government-funded scholarships to Africa, Australia Awards has established an influential network of leaders, reformers and development advocates across the continent.

Growing an influential network of African leaders

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Australia has made gender equality and women’s empowerment a priority in its aid program. The evidence is clear – gender equality is critical to sustainable development.

Women in Leadership Network Women in Leadership Network

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The African Women in Leadership NetworkAccording to the African Union’s Gender Strategy (2018–2027), the dearth of female leaders is a serious challenge, given that female leaders favour more equitable redistribution of resources and investment in education, health and social welfare sectors.

Increasing opportunities for women is an essential element of Australia’s development cooperation efforts and the African Women in Leadership Network (the Network) has tremendous potential for advancing this objective. Gender equality and empowering women contribute to growth, peace and security, development and stability.

The Network, funded by the Australian Government, is a forum that brings together Australia Awards alumnae with the aim of developing and leveraging the women as change agents in their countries. With this

goal in mind, members of the Network are also encouraged to engage in and provide leadership for gender and development initiatives in their home countries.

Launched in 2013 by the President of Liberia, Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Network connects past and present female recipients, and provides leadership and mentoring opportunities for women participating in the program.

The Network currently has over 400 members across 39 African countries, with many members involved in efforts to empower women in Africa, including promoting Australian Government scholarships and short courses to potential female applicants from eligible countries across the continent.

Participants of the 2018 Mineral and Energy Economics Short Course Photo: Australia Awards–Africa

Participants of the 2018 Mineral and Energy Economics Short Course Photo: Australia Awards–Africa

Increasing opportunities for women is an essential element of Australia’s development cooperation efforts and the African Women in Leadership Network has tremendous potential for advancing this objective.

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How to apply

• Determine whether you are a citizen of an eligible country and review country-specific criteria.

• If you are eligible, review the application guidelines and submit your application before the deadline.

• Applications for Australia Awards Scholarships and Australia Awards Short Courses open 1 October 2019.

For more details on the application guidelines and eligibility, visit the Australia Awards–Africa website.

Website: www.australiaawardsafrica.orgEmail: enquiries@australiaawardsafrica.org